Frank Lampard hails ex-Chelsea teammate John Terry as the greatest ever Premier League defender

Chelsea‘s all-time leading goalscorer Frank Lampard has paid tribute to the soon-departing club captain John Terry, labelling him the “greatest defender” he ever played with.

It was announced on Monday that Terry was calling time on his illustrious 22-year association at Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.

The 36-year-old has been a Blues stalwart, joining the club’s academy aged 14 and making his first-team debut all the way back in 1998.

Terry has made over 700 appearances across all competitions for the Blue, winning four Premier League titles, one Champions League, five FA Cups, three League Cups and one Europa League.

The last man standing of an incredible era for @chelseafc. What a pleasure to play with the greatest defender in the @premierleague history. In fact, I'd put him up with any defender in world football of any era. He led the club both on and off the pitch from the moment he made his debut. He set standards for everyone, whether it was demanding excellence in training, fighting for every win or respecting how fortunate we were to play for such a great club. He was, and is, a legend, not just for his talent but just as much for his desire to get the best out of himself and others around him. That's what made him the most successful captain in the club's history. Off the pitch a great friend to not just me but so many at the club and outside of it. The countless things I've seen JT do to help people outside of the game, things that not many see, are what defines him as a man. @johnterry.26 you deserve every accolade you get over the next weeks and beyond and I hope you get what you deserve and lift two massive trophies at the end of the season(just to add to the tally 😂). Whatever you do next I know everyone will respect your decision and I know that the Chels will always be your club. Absolute respect 💙💙👊👊#jt #captain #leader #legend

A post shared by Frank Lampard (@franklampard) on Apr 17, 2017 at 12:44pm PDT

Lampard wrote on Instagram: “The last man standing of an incredible era for Chelsea. What a pleasure to play with the greatest defender in the Premier League history. In fact, I’d put him up with any defender in world football of any era.

“He led the club both on and off the pitch from the moment he made his debut. He set standards for everyone, whether it was demanding excellence in training, fighting for every win or respecting how fortunate we were to play for such a great club. He was, and is, a legend, not just for his talent but just as much for his desire to get the best out of himself and others around him. That’s what made him the most successful captain in the club’s history.

“Off the pitch a great friend to not just me but so many at the club and outside of it. The countless things I’ve seen JT do to help people outside of the game, things that not many see, are what defines him as a man. John Terry you deserve every accolade you get over the next weeks and beyond and I hope you get what you deserve and lift two massive trophies at the end of the season (just to add to the tally 😂).

“Whatever you do next I know everyone will respect your decision and I know that the Chels will always be your club. Absolute respect. #jt #captain #leader #legend.”

Terry has confirmed that he intends to carry on playing, but it remains to be seen where the former Nottingham Forest loanee will end up.